Understanding Sarcoidosis

SARCOIDOSIS
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory
disease wherein the immune
system goes into overdrive.
25%
35-50%
of cases affect the
eyes.
of cases have
respiratory symptoms,
such as shortness of
breath, dry cough, and
chest pain.
Sarcoidosis can affect almost
any organ in the body.
Sarcoidosis causes cells to
group together into clumps
called “granulomas."
It is not known exactly what
causes sarcoidosis.
TREATMENT
SYMPTOMS2
WHAT IS IT?
To learn more about sarcoidosis, please visit
chestnet.org/sarcoid
GREAT NEWS: With good medical care,
most cases of sarcoidosis are not severe
and do not cause lasting damage to the
body.
When treatment is needed, however, it is
important to understand all of your options.
90%
25%
of cases affect
the lungs and
lymph nodes.
of cases affect
the skin.
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WITH YOUR DOCTOR BY USING
THE
SARCOID
AGE
Sarcoidosis can affect people of any age, but 70% of patients are
ages 20 to 40.
It is estimated there are more than 200,000
people living with sarcoidosis in the US.1
In more than half of cases, sarcoidosis only
lasts for 12 to 36 months and resolves
without treatment.3
ETHNICITY
Anyone can develop sarcoidosis.
For reasons not yet understood by medical science, sarcoidosis is more
common among African Americans and people of Northern European –
particularly Scandinavian – descent.
5
1. Which of my organs are affected by
sarcoidosis?
2. Can I do anything to prevent symptoms?
3. What are all of the treatment options
available to treat sarcoidosis?
4. Which treatment is best for me and why?
5. Where can I find support?